Things you didn’t know about thunderstorms

By Nicolette Weet, Feb 4, 2018

Generally, we fall into two categories any time there is a thunderstorm – some of us are mesmerized, while others are cowering under the duvet! No matter what your viewpoint on thunderstorms is, you can’t deny they are a pretty stunning spectacle. Seeing the raw, visual power of the natural world, even from a distance, can be a pretty major experience.

Thunderstorms evoke a range of emotions within us and are often necessary for the land after times of drought or relentless sun. Thunderstorms are something we often take for granted these days, but we shouldn’t because they are actually pretty complex. Here are some of the stunning things you actually never knew about thunderstorms.

Lightning does strike twice

One of the biggest myths surrounding thunderstorms is that lightning never strikes the same place twice. This is even a common phrase in popular culture, but, strangely, it’s actually not true! Lightning can strike twice, in fact, it can often strike more than twice. The way it works is that the storm just goes for wherever the best conductor is, no matter how many times it may have struck that place in the past. In fact, the Empire State Building in New York is thought to be struck by lightning close to 100 different times per year!

There are different types of thunderstorms

It would be easy to think that all thunderstorms are the same, because why wouldn’t they be? But, in reality, there are actually several different types of thunderstorms, and each has a slightly different makeup. The most common type of storm is a single-cell storm, where it will rain for a time, before dissipating. There are also multi-cell thunderstorms, which often involve a cold front and squall lines. And, the third type of thunderstorm is known as supercell thunderstorm – these produce much more severe storms and can result in tornadoes as well.

We can cause them

We bet you never knew that humans can often actually cause thunderstorms to happen, albeit accidentally! Though we can’t control the weather (we’re not Thor!), our actions can have a direct impact on where thunderstorms tend to form. For instance, an increase in temperatures in and around major cities can actually trigger thunderstorms to occur in places they would not usually have formed. It is also thought that nuclear power plants can also result in the formation of smaller thunderstorms.

Rain of toads

Raining frogs or toads is often something we associate with biblical myths, but these myths must have come from somewhere. Though we might consider rain of toads to be an act of the supernatural, there is actually a much more scientific explanation involved. Frogs, toads, fish, and all manner of objects can fall from the sky if they are sucked up in a particularly strong tornado. These objects must fall eventually, and when they do it makes it appear as though they are raining from the sky.

These are just some of the awesome things you never knew about thunderstorms. They play a big role in the natural world, and are incredibly beautiful, in spite of the destruction they can cause. There are loads of cool and unexpected facts about thunderstorms, and we hope you will consider yourself more informed having read our post.